WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO SEE MACHU PICCHU?

Hey there, fellow adventure-seekers!

If you’re planning a trip to one of the most breathtaking and mysterious sites in South America, you’re probably wondering: What is the best time of day to see Machu Picchu?

Don’t look any further, we got you covered!

First, what you need to consider if you’re looking to take the classical postcard photo of Machu Picchu, such as the one below:

Note how Machu Picchu’s landscape is partially covered by the clouds, well, during the early morning these clouds are more abundant and dense, therefore, if one’s wish is to take home a picture with Machu Picchu’s clear landscape behind, you may want to consider visitting the citadel during the noon onwards.

Entrance Time	06:00 to 07:00	07:00 to 08:00	08:00 to 09:00	09:00 to 10:00	10:00 to 11:00	11:00 to 12:00	12:00 to 13:00	13:00 to 14:00	14:00 to 15:00
Clouds presence	5	4	3	2	1	0	0	0	0

As the sun rises over the Andean mountains, the ancient Inca citadel comes alive with a golden glow that’s simply unforgettable.

But is early morning the best time to visit, or should you plan your trip for the afternoon?

In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of visiting Machu Picchu at different times of day, so you can make the most of your unforgettable experience.

From the optimal lighting conditions to the crowds and weather, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to plan your perfect day at Machu Picchu.

So grab a cup of coca tea, chew your llipta, get comfortable, and let’s get started!

Early Morning: The Pros and Cons of Visiting Machu Picchu in the Fog

Visiting Machu Picchu in the early morning has its advantages and disadvantages, especially when it comes to the presence of fog. Here are some things to consider:

Pros:

1. Fewer crowds: If you’re an early riser, you may have the opportunity to explore the site before the crowds arrive, providing a more peaceful and intimate experience.

2. Mystical atmosphere: The fog can create a mystical and otherworldly atmosphere, adding to the already-magical experience of visiting Machu Picchu.

3. Particular visual setting: The fog can create a soft, diffused light that can be ideal for photography, especially for those who prefer a more muted color palette.

Cons:

1. Limited visibility: The fog can limit visibility, making it difficult to see certain parts of the site or appreciate the full scope of the landscape.

2. Slippery surfaces: The fog can make the stone surfaces of the site slippery, so it’s important to be careful when walking around.

3. Shortened visiting hours: In some cases, the fog may be so thick that the park authorities may shorten the visiting hours for safety reasons.

Afternoon: An Alternative to Visiting Machu Picchu in the Fog

Visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are three of each:

Pros:

1. Warm temperatures: The afternoon sun can be quite warm, especially during the dry season, so it’s a good idea to pack sunscreen and a hat.

2. Fewer crowds: The afternoon is generally a less busy time to visit Machu Picchu, providing a more peaceful and intimate experience.

3. Better lighting: The afternoon sun can create a beautiful golden light that illuminates the site and brings out the vibrant colors of the surrounding landscape.

Cons:

1. Limited daylight: The afternoon is a shorter period than the early morning, so you may have less time to explore the site and take in the views.

2. Heat and humidity: The afternoon sun can also bring high temperatures and humidity, which can make the hike more challenging and uncomfortable.

3. Crowds: While the afternoon is generally less busy than the early morning, it can still be quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season.

Conclusion

Overall, visiting Machu Picchu either during the morning or the afternoon has its pros and cons, but it can still be a wonderful experience.

We hope to have solved your doubt about the incognite: What is the Best Time of Day to see Machu Picchu?

Just be sure to pack accordingly and plan your visit to avoid what you wou would like not to encounter for your trip. If you need help with any arrangement, let us know by contacting us!

Happy travels!